Systems and methods for connecting and operating portable GPS enabled devices in automobiles

• US 20100088029A1
• Filed: 09/03/2009
• Published: 04/08/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 09/03/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Flextronics America LLC (Flextronics International Limited)
• Original Assignee: Flextronics America LLC (Flextronics International Limited)
• Inventors: Fan, Xi Wei, Hu, Austin, Zhao, Keming, Han, Kui, Ma, Junfeng, Liu, Yang
• Granted Patent: US 8,983,775 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/213
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3661 Guidance output on an external device, e.g. car radio
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3664 Details of the user input interface, e.g. buttons, knobs or sliders, including those provided on a touch screen; remote controllers; input using gestures
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3688 Systems comprising multiple parts or multiple output devices (not client-server), e.g. detachable faceplates, key fobs or multiple output screens

Abstract

An electronic device that is operable to provide navigation information to a user by utilizing the navigation system of a separate mobile device, such as a GPS-enabled mobile phone. The electronic device includes a communication interface for communicating navigation data between the mobile device and the electronic device. The electronic device also includes a display for displaying the navigation data received from the mobile device. The display of the electronic device may be larger than the display of the mobile device, such that a driver of an automobile may use the electronic device to provide a more desirable viewing experience. Further, the electronic device may include a user interface, such as a touch screen, that allows a user to access and control the navigation functions of the mobile device. The electronic device may also be operable to communicate with other portable electronic devices.

Claims

1. An electronic device operable to provide navigation information to a user by utilizing a navigation system of a separate GPS-enabled mobile device, the electronic device comprising:

a communications interface for communicating navigation information between the GPS-enabled mobile device and the electronic device;

a display for displaying the navigation information; and

a user interface that permits the user to selectively control navigation functions of the GPS-enabled mobile device using the electronic device.

2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the electronic device is selectively attachable to a portion of an automobile.

3. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the communications interface includes a Bluetooth interface.

4. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the communications interface includes a communications interface selected from the group consisting of:

a USB interface;

an FM interface;

a Wi-Fi/Wi-max interface;

a 3G voice data network interface;

a WCDMA interface; and

a HSPDA interface.

5. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the user interface includes a touch screen.

6. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the electronic device is integrated into another component of an automobile selected from the group consisting of:

a center console;

an audio system;

a video system; and

a rear-view mirror.

7. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the GPS-enabled mobile device includes a GPS-enabled mobile phone.

8. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising a data storage module operative to store audio or video data.

9. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising an audio output system.

10. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the audio output system includes an FM transmitter.

11. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the user interface includes a microphone operative to receive voice data from the user.

12. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising:

a data port that is operable to selectively couple a separate consumer device to the electronic device.

13. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein the consumer device is a device selected from the group consisting of:

a mobile phone;

a personal digital assistant (PDA);

a portable media player;

a portable computer;

a memory card; and

a digital camera.

14. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising a power supply operative to charge a battery of a GPS-enabled mobile device connected to the electronic device.

15. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein the power supply of the electronic device is connectable to a GPS-enabled mobile device via a USB cable.

16. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein the power supply includes a built-in rechargeable battery.

17. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the communication interface is operable to provide a two-way communication channel for sending and receiving voice data or messages between the GPS-enabled mobile device and the electronic device.

18. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the electronic device is configured to permit a user to operate a non-navigation function of the GPS-enabled mobile device using the user interface and the display.

19. The electronic device is claim 18, wherein non-navigation function of the GPS-enabled device includes a function selected from the group consisting of:

making a phone call;

sending or receiving a text message; and

viewing web pages.

20. A method for providing navigation information to a user of an electronic device, the method comprising:

receiving input from a user of the electronic device through a user interface, the received input requesting navigation information;

sending the received input to a GPS-enabled mobile device through a communications interface;

receiving navigation information from the GPS-enabled mobile device on the electronic device through the communications interface; and

displaying the received navigation information on a display of the electronic device.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the receiving input from a user includes receiving voice commands.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein the receiving input from a user includes receiving a touch from a user on a touch screen of the electronic device.

23. The method of claim 20, further comprising:

receiving wireless signals from a GPS-enabled mobile device;

in response to receiving the wireless signals, determining one or more communications parameters of the GPS-enabled mobile device; and

establishing a communications interface between the electronic device and the GPS-enabled mobile device dependent on the one or more communications parameters.

24. An electronic device operable to provide audio and visual (A/V) data to a user of a mobile device, the electronic device comprising:

a communications interface for communicating the A/V data between the mobile device and the electronic device;

a display for displaying the A/V data; and

a user interface that permits a user to selectively control one or more functions of the mobile device using the electronic device.

25. The electronic device of claim 24, wherein the one or more functions of the mobile device include at least one of:

making phone calls;

sending and receiving text messages;

viewing web pages; and

viewing navigation information.